Three named to COC Alumni Hall of Fame

Three people were welcomed into the College of the Canyons Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday during an induction ceremony and luncheon inside the campus’s Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

Two alumni and a friend of COC’s were selected for their achievements in serving the community and the college, as well as their personal and professional accomplishments.

Diane Ayres, alumna, Brian Koegle, alumnus, and Yolanda Morton, friend of COC, were named to the Hall of Fame.

Ayres was an English professor at COC for 24 years and retired in 2012. However, she remains a steady supporter of the college by helping with scholarships, specifically establishing the Humanities Scholarship.

“I feel that COC is the one that gave me the confidence; that’s why I’m here today.” Ayres said. “It’s been my home for 35 years. It’s my second family.”

Koegle is an employment law and business litigation attorney who began his career at COC before transferring to The Ohio State University. Koegle sits on various nonprofit boards throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including the College of the Canyons Foundation, where he supports many scholarships and athletic programs.

“It’s quite an honor to be here today and be recognized by the institution that really kind of gave me my foundation,” Koegle said. “COC gave me the foundation, the baseline, for where I am today.”

The last inductee was honored with the Hall of Fame Friend Award. Morton is not an alumna of COC but is being recognized for her educational contributions and beneficial actions as CEO of Morton Manufacturing.

Morton Manufacturing, located in Canyon Country, is an aviation company that supplies nickel-alloy bolts for aircraft engines.

The company has supported COC during the last 17 years with contributions to scholarships and other student programs. Morton is a Chancellor’s Circle Member and recently named a computer classroom in the University Center.

“She continues to support at every level,” said Michele Edmonson, director of development for the College of the Canyons Foundation. “And really, she’s not asking for anything in return.”

Ayres, Koegle, and Morton join 29 other Hall of Famers. New inductees are chosen annually.

“It’s more about recognizing them, and their accomplishments, achievements, and their generosity really far passes the college,” Edmonson said.